Ranking the NBA’s Top 25 Players of the 21st Century

The groundwork for NBA dominance in the 21st century was established in the late 1990s, marked by key roster moves: the Lakers acquiring Shaquille O`Neal and Kobe Bryant, and the Spurs drafting Tim Duncan. These three foundational players, emerging as Michael Jordan`s Bulls concluded their era, propelled their respective teams to secure five of the initial six championships of this millennium, accumulating an impressive 14 titles between them.

When you include the four championships each won by LeBron James and Stephen Curry, these five individuals collectively account for 22 NBA titles over the last quarter-century.

While there`s certainly some overlap in these achievements, this statistic powerfully illustrates the incredible impact and sustained excellence of these players – many of whom continue to perform at elite levels. This retrospective on the NBA`s top 25 players of the 21st century strictly considers achievements from January 1, 2000, onwards. Therefore, Shaq`s early years in Orlando or his initial seasons with the Lakers are not factored in, nor is Duncan`s 1999 championship, although it spiritually marks the true beginning of the Spurs` dynasty.

This comprehensive ranking, compiled through votes from our CBS Sports NBA staff, is designed to ignite debate. One can already anticipate the strong reactions from Kobe Bryant`s dedicated fanbase, as his placement might seem surprisingly low given his immense stature. Yet, it`s a testament to the unparalleled collective talent of this era in NBA history, where even those outside the very top tier are unquestionably all-time greats destined for the Hall of Fame, if not already enshrined.

So, let the discussions commence, but please strive for civility.

1. LeBron James

• Years in NBA: 2003-present
• Teams: Cavaliers (twice), Heat, Lakers

LeBron James arrived in the NBA dubbed `The Chosen One` on a Sports Illustrated cover, an extraordinary level of expectation he has not only met but arguably surpassed, solidifying his status as one of the greatest players of all time. Spanning 22 seasons, he remarkably placed in the top 10 for MVP voting in both his first and most recent campaigns. His career highlights include four MVP awards (earned within a five-year stretch) and four championships. Furthermore, he has surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA`s all-time leading scorer. While few players in history rival LeBron`s peak performance, his longevity and consistent excellence are truly unparalleled. — Brad Botkin

2. Stephen Curry

• Years in NBA: 2009-present
• Team: Warriors

Some argue that Stephen Curry`s peak performance period even outshone LeBron`s. His accomplishments include four championships, with three victories over LeBron`s teams and two achieved without the explicit help of another primary superstar. He boasts six Finals appearances and eleven All-NBA selections across a twelve-year span. Curry was the leading player on the record-setting 73-win team and stands as the NBA`s all-time leader in three-pointers made. He`s a two-time MVP, notably achieving the only unanimous selection in history during the 2015-16 season, where he delivered arguably the greatest single season ever by averaging 30 points per game while shooting an astounding 45% from three-point range on over 11 attempts. If anyone attempts to suggest a player other than LeBron has been superior to Curry this century, their opinion should be critically re-evaluated. — Brad Botkin

3. Tim Duncan

• Years in NBA: 1997-2016
• Team: Spurs

Tim Duncan, though perhaps less celebrated than flashier contemporaries like Shaquille O`Neal and Kobe Bryant, was arguably more effective than both. Comparisons to legends like Tom Brady and Stephen Curry are apt, as critics often tried to attribute their success to their respective systems, only to eventually realize that these athletes themselves were the system. The same holds true for Duncan and the San Antonio Spurs. Duncan`s impact was immediate, earning MVP honors in 2001 and 2002 and consistently finishing in the top 10 of MVP voting for the first eight years of the century. While not matching LeBron`s sheer longevity, Duncan maintained elite status for nearly two decades, clinching his fifth and final championship in his 16th season and remaining a top-10 MVP vote-getter at 39 years old. — Brad Botkin

4. Nikola Jokić

• Years in NBA: 2015-present
• Team: Nuggets

This selection is likely to spark considerable debate, but I fully endorse the collective findings of this poll: Nikola Jokić currently surpasses Shaquille O`Neal in overall basketball ability. This is by no means a slight against Shaq, who is unequivocally an all-time great and the next player on this list. Jokić, however, operates on an entirely different plane in terms of his diverse contributions and game-wide influence. For five consecutive years, Jokić has been a top-two finisher in MVP voting, winning three of those awards, and has definitively been recognized as the world`s best player for the past half-decade. The championship he clinched with the Nuggets, achieved without a single All-Star teammate, stands as a more significant accomplishment than any of Shaq`s titles won alongside Kobe Bryant or Dwyane Wade. By the time Jokić`s career concludes, he is largely expected to be regarded as the greatest big man in basketball history. — Brad Botkin

5. Shaquille O`Neal

• Years in NBA: 1992-2011
• Teams: Magic, Lakers, Heat, Suns, Cavaliers, Celtics

Known by many monikers—Superman, Diesel, The Big Aristotle—Shaquille O`Neal stands as one of the most dominant basketball players to ever grace the court. His remarkable blend of grace and agility, unprecedented for a man of his imposing 7-foot-1, 300-plus pound physique, fueled his incredible career. This formidable combination led to four NBA championships, three Finals MVP awards, one regular-season MVP, two scoring titles, three All-Defensive selections, and 14 All-NBA appearances. Remarkably, these achievements came from a player many believe never fully committed himself to basketball. He would rank higher on this list if his early career with the Orlando Magic were fully included, but his most significant successes occurred after the turn of the century as a key member of the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat. According to Basketball Reference, he holds the fifth-highest career player efficiency rating, trailing only Anthony Davis, LeBron James, Michael Jordan, and Nikola Jokić. — Colin Ward-Henninger

6. Kobe Bryant

• Years in NBA: 1996-2016
• Team: Lakers

A substantial and passionate segment of NBA fans regards Kobe Bryant as the greatest basketball player of all time. While advanced analytics may not entirely support this assertion, he serves as a prime example in the ongoing debate between statistical evaluation and the intuitive `eye test.` Playing his entire 20-season NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers, Bryant earned five championships, two Finals MVPs, one league MVP, twelve All-Defensive selections, and fifteen All-NBA choices. It speaks to his profound and lasting influence that these remarkable statistical achievements are often overshadowed by his enduring `Mamba Mentality` legacy, which has only intensified following his tragic passing in 2020. People frequently exclaim `Kobe!` when tossing crumpled paper into wastebaskets, a testament to his cultural impact. In his 2015 poem, `Dear Basketball,` later adapted into an Oscar-winning short film, Bryant perfectly articulated his dedication to the sport, and in turn, his significance to countless fans: `You asked for my hustle/ I gave you my heart/ Because it came with so much more.` — Colin Ward-Henninger

7. Giannis Antetokounmpo

• Years in the NBA: 2013-present
• Team: Bucks

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s journey is one of the most remarkable development narratives in NBA history. Emerging from obscurity in Greece, he has conquered nearly every major award: Most Improved Player, Defensive Player of the Year, MVP (twice), Finals MVP, and an NBA championship. Throughout his career, all with the Milwaukee Bucks, he has garnered nine All-Star selections, nine All-NBA team appearances, and five All-Defensive team nods. Modern NBA sees fewer single-team superstars, and while Antetokounmpo might eventually choose a different path, his indelible achievements in Milwaukee will forever be remembered. He arrived as a slender teenager with grand ambitions, and he fulfilled them all, transforming into one of the most dominant two-way forces the game has ever witnessed. — Jack Maloney

8. Kevin Durant

• Years in NBA: 2007-present
• Teams: Thunder, Warriors, Nets, Suns

Throughout his 17-year NBA career, Kevin Durant has consistently been counted among the league`s absolute best players. He rapidly established himself as one of the most prolific scorers in basketball history, thanks to his ability to effortlessly shoot from virtually anywhere on the court at his 6-foot-11 stature. Durant pioneered a new wave of modern forwards, influencing a generation of incoming players who now showcase similar builds and unexpected skill sets. — Jasmyn Wimbish

9. Kevin Garnett

• Years in NBA: 1995–2016
• Teams: Timberwolves (twice), Celtics, Nets

Before terms like `positionless basketball` and `unicorn` became commonplace in the NBA lexicon, Kevin Garnett was a trailblazing superstar big man who exhibited the movement and skills of a perimeter player. The tales of his intense demeanor and legendary trash talk are entirely accurate, as is the narrative of him setting the relentless tone for the Boston Celtics` 2008 championship run. However, he was far more than just an all-time great screaming competitor; he was genuinely one of basketball`s all-time greatest talents, who simply happened to be a screaming competitor. While the defense-first version of Garnett perfectly fit Boston`s needs, the player who consistently led the Timberwolves to multiple 50-win seasons—and earned an MVP award on a 58-win team that reached the conference finals, the only time Minnesota assembled a strong supporting cast—was capable of excelling in every facet of the game, on both ends of the court. — James Herbert

10. Dirk Nowitzki

• Years in NBA: 1999-2019
• Team: Mavericks

Had Dirk Nowitzki`s prime occurred in today`s NBA, he would undoubtedly be considered one of the league`s top active players. He entered an era where it was largely frowned upon for 7-footers to operate away from the basket, yet he revolutionized the game, demonstrating that such play was not only feasible but could define a new style of basketball. Nowitzki was a truly revolutionary force in the 2000s, a 7-footer who showcased elite efficiency from all areas of the court, possessing an iconic shot that is widely regarded as the most unguardable in league history. Many have attempted to replicate his signature one-legged fadeaway, but none have succeeded quite like Dirk. — Jasmyn Wimbish

11. Dwyane Wade

• Years in NBA: 2003-2019
• Teams: Heat (twice), Bulls, Cavaliers

At his prime, Dwyane Wade was the closest contemporary to Kobe Bryant. Wade likely possessed superior athleticism, while their skills—particularly their footwork and diverse array of shot-making abilities—were remarkably similar. He was an unstoppable force in 2009, the year he won the scoring title on a team devoid of other major offensive threats. Coach Stan Van Gundy, despite his cautious approach with young players, famously entrusted Wade with a game-winning playoff shot in his rookie season, which he delivered. This level of clutch performance continued throughout his 16-year career, which included three championships (one as the primary star in just his third season) and seven top-10 finishes in MVP voting. — Brad Botkin

12. Chris Paul

• Years in NBA: 2005-present
• Teams: Hornets, Clippers (twice), Rockets, Thunder, Suns, Warriors, Spurs

Disregard the strict `no-ring` absolutists; Chris Paul, second only to John Stockton in career assists, stands as one of the five greatest point guards in basketball history. His impressive resume includes 12 All-Star selections, 11 All-NBA teams, and eight All-Defense teams. He led the league in steals six times and finished in the top 10 of MVP voting on ten occasions, with four of those being top-five finishes. Crucially, Paul has played for seven different teams throughout his career, and in his first year with each, those teams collectively saw a combined improvement of 64 wins. This statistic eloquently speaks volumes about his transformative impact. — Brad Botkin

13. Kawhi Leonard

• Years in NBA: 2011–present
• Teams: Spurs, Raptors, Clippers

Kawhi Leonard entered the NBA as an elite defensive talent: a 6-foot-7 forward boasting a 7-foot-3 wingspan, enormous hands, and the requisite speed and strength to guard any opponent. However, he transcended merely becoming one of the finest one-on-one defenders ever; he also evolved into one of the most formidable one-on-one scorers. On multiple occasions, he could legitimately claim the title of the Best Player on the Planet. Players who shoot just 25% from three-point range in college are not typically expected to become unguardable jump shooters in the pros, yet Leonard is an anomaly in many respects. Unfortunately, one of these anomalies is that despite achieving far more than anyone could have predicted—he`s been an All-NBA lock when healthy since 2016 and secured two Finals MVPs five years apart—his list of accolades has been significantly curtailed by persistent injuries. One cannot help but lament the impact of Zaza Pachulia`s foot. — James Herbert

14. Steve Nash

• Years in NBA: 1996-2014
• Teams: Suns, Mavericks, Lakers

Broadly speaking, Steve Nash`s career is often underestimated. His shooting statistics were historically exceptional, making him the sole player in league history with more than two 50-40-90 seasons (he achieved four). His assist numbers were equally historic, as only two other players—John Stockton and Magic Johnson—have averaged 11 or more assists in a single season five or more times. Over the past 25 years, few players have had a more profound impact on their team`s success than Nash, a fact undeniably underscored by his two MVP trophies. — Jasmyn Wimbish

15. James Harden

• Years in NBA: 2009–present
• Teams: Thunder, Rockets, Nets, 76ers, Clippers

Daryl Morey was correct: Peak James Harden is arguably the greatest offensive player ever. His capacity to be the singular engine of an offense became evident immediately upon his arrival in Houston in 2012. However, with Mike D`Antoni`s coaching in 2016, the Rockets embarked on an experimental approach: how much could one brilliant playmaker be asked to do, surrounded by stationary shooters (and initial screen-setters), before efficiency suffered? The answer, as it turned out, was an extraordinary amount: For four consecutive seasons, Harden maintained a usage rate above 33% (peaking at 39.6% in 2018-19) alongside a true shooting percentage ranging between 61.3% and 62.6%. While Harden has had some underwhelming playoff performances and his ball-dominant style isn`t universally admired, even his staunchest critics must concede that his mastery of the stepback three-pointer fundamentally broke conventional NBA defenses. Opposing coaches resorted to extreme measures, like guarding him from behind to prevent the stepback, and later, simply trapping him in the backcourt to force the ball out of his hands. — James Herbert

16. Luka Dončić

• Years in NBA: 2018-present
• Teams: Mavericks

Luka Dončić`s high ranking despite only seven seasons in the league speaks volumes about the trajectory of his career. This is an athlete who already boasts more All-NBA First Team selections than Stephen Curry, has consistently finished in the top five of MVP voting in three of the last five seasons, and is an absolute basketball virtuoso. It would be challenging to find many other players who can dictate the flow of a game offensively with the same mastery as Dončić; those who can are typically ranked much higher on this list. His exceptional basketball IQ, clutch shot-making ability, and capacity to utterly demoralize opponents with his scoring make him a player no team relishes facing. The fact that he is only 26 and likely has yet to reach his ultimate peak should be a terrifying prospect for the rest of the league. — Jasmyn Wimbish

17. Jason Kidd

• Years in NBA: 1995-2013
• Teams: Mavericks (twice), Suns, Nets, Knicks

If you were to look up `point guard` in a basketball dictionary, you`d likely find an image of Jason Kidd—probably looking to the right as precise passes swiftly travel to the left. The Bay Area native ranks third all-time in career assists, and few players in basketball history inspired more confidence with the ball in their hands. His significant impact in the 21st century manifested in two distinct phases: first, as the driving force behind the New Jersey Nets` consecutive Finals appearances in the early 2000s, and later, as the seasoned veteran contributing to the Dallas Mavericks` 2011 championship. A testament to his unwavering dedication, Kidd transformed from a virtual non-shooter early in his career to ranking among the top 10 in career three-pointers made by the time of his retirement. Whatever his team required, on offense or defense, Kidd consistently delivered with maximum effort and unparalleled precision. — Colin Ward-Henninger

18. Dwight Howard

• Years in NBA: 2004 – 2022
• Teams: Magic, Lakers (three times), Rockets, Hawks, Hornets, Wizards, 76ers

It’s easy to overlook, given the anticlimactic end to his career and his often jovial public persona, but prime Dwight Howard was an absolute force. Over five seasons from 2007-2012, he averaged an astounding 21 points, 14 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game on 59% shooting, all while securing three consecutive Defensive Player of the Year awards. His unique blend of size and athleticism might be the most impressive in league history, positioning him—physically, at least—alongside legends like Shaquille O`Neal and Wilt Chamberlain. Howard embodied the ideal version of a versatile, rim-running, shot-blocking center—a skill set that virtually every NBA team still covets. He further streamlined his game to win a title with the Lakers in 2020. While his lasting legacy may be associated with his radiant smile and unforgettable Dunk Contest performances, Howard is undeniably one of the most dominant big men of the 21st century. — Colin Ward-Henninger

19. Anthony Davis

• Years in NBA: 2012-present
• Teams: Pelicans, Lakers

Whenever Anthony Davis has been healthy, he has consistently performed as one of the league`s premier players, demonstrating equally dominant capabilities on both ends of the court and possessing an impossibly skilled game for a man of his stature. Davis`s peak was arguably during the 2016-18 seasons with the New Orleans Pelicans, before his eventual departure, when he consistently averaged 28 points and 11 rebounds and was likely the best defender on the planet. He also had several outstanding years with the Lakers, notably highlighted by their 2020 championship run in which he transformed into a scoring machine akin to Kevin Durant within the bubble, converting an incredible 55% of his mid-range jumpers beyond 16 feet. That particular performance was one of the most extraordinary outlier shooting displays in history, and it largely propelled the Lakers to their sole championship during the LeBron James era. — Brad Botkin

20. Allen Iverson

• Years in NBA: 1996-2010
• Teams: 76ers (twice), Nuggets, Pistons, Grizzlies

It`s debatable whether any basketball player in the last 25 years exhibited more fearlessness than Allen Iverson. Despite standing at a mere 6 feet tall (in shoes), Iverson never hesitated to drive aggressively into the paint, even with formidable opponents like Shaquille O`Neal or Kevin Garnett lurking under the basket. The fact that he managed to lead the league in scoring on four separate occasions and win NBA MVP, despite his diminutive stature, alone validates his inclusion on this list. While he might not have been the most efficient scorer, Iverson`s explosive first step and exceptional athleticism made him incredibly difficult to contain. He displayed remarkable balance even when constantly being jostled in the lane and possessed an unyielding, never-quit attitude that made him a highly desirable teammate. Beyond his on-court achievements, Iverson arguably stands as the most culturally impactful player of the last quarter-century. — Jasmyn Wimbish

21. Tracy McGrady

• Years in NBA: 1997–2012
• Teams: Raptors, Magic, Rockets, Knicks, Pistons, Hawks

It`s impossible to discuss Tracy McGrady without engaging in the `what-if` game. What if persistent injuries to his knees, shoulder, and back hadn`t derailed his career? What if he had remained alongside Vince Carter in Toronto, or if Tim Duncan had joined him in Orlando, or if he`d simply received more opportunities to contend for a championship with healthy versions of Grant Hill or Yao Ming as co-stars? What if he had been born later, empowered to play a James Harden- or Luka Dončić-like role in today`s pace-and-space era? Due to McGrady`s immense natural talent, he realistically should have accumulated more than his seven All-Star selections, seven All-NBA Team selections, and two scoring titles. During his regrettably brief prime, he was consistently the smoothest scorer on the court, often the most athletic, and despite appearing nonchalant at times, he possessed the ability to explode at any given moment. — James Herbert

22. Damian Lillard

• Years in NBA: 2012-present
• Teams: Blazers, Bucks (twice)

Damian Lillard burst onto the scene as an unexpected Rookie of the Year in 2012. By his second year, he had already achieved All-Star status. From his fourth season onwards, he recorded five top-eight MVP finishes within a six-year period. There was a time when Lillard was undeniably the most feared shooter in the world, second only to Stephen Curry, and he will also be remembered as one of the most clutch players the league has ever witnessed. While he will likely conclude his career without a championship, anyone with a reasonably objective perspective understands that he was never part of a team truly built for a championship run, especially considering his prime coincided with the rise of Curry and the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference. His lack of a ring cannot be held against him. — Brad Botkin

23. Jayson Tatum

• Years in the NBA: 2017-present
• Team: Celtics

In his eight seasons, Jayson Tatum has achieved six All-Star appearances, five All-NBA Team selections—including four consecutive First Team honors—won a title, and consistently led his team to the playoffs. Recognized as one of the most versatile and consistent players of his generation, he also boasted exceptional durability until an Achilles tendon tear during the 2025 playoffs, which will sideline him for the entire 2025-26 season and inevitably alter his career trajectory. Regardless of what transpires upon his return to the court, Tatum has already cemented his legacy as a Celtics great and possesses a compelling Hall of Fame résumé. — Jack Maloney

24. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

• Years in NBA: 2018-present
• Teams: Clippers, Thunder

The player with one of the longest last names in NBA history also defied some of the longest odds to achieve superstardom among those on this list. Drafted 11th overall in 2018, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander showed promising talent as a rookie with the Clippers, who reluctantly included him in a trade to the Thunder to acquire Paul George and Kawhi Leonard in the same summer. However, virtually no one outside the Gilgeous-Alexander family anticipated his blossoming into an MVP candidate, the league`s leading scorer, and an NBA champion before his 27th birthday. His advantageous positional size and unique basketball rhythm make him virtually unguardable, and he stands out in the modern game as a guard who primarily inflicts scoring damage inside the three-point line. — Colin Ward-Henninger

25. Russell Westbrook

• Years in NBA: 2008-present
• Teams: Thunder, Rockets, Wizards, Lakers, Clippers, Nuggets

While Russell Westbrook has always had his imperfections, allowing the latter portion of his career to disproportionately define his overall impact would be a significant misjudgment. This is an athlete who incredibly averaged a triple-double in four distinct seasons. He boasts an MVP award and finished in the top four for MVP voting on four separate occasions. Only prime Derrick Rose (and perhaps Ja Morant) can realistically challenge Westbrook`s claim as the most athletic point guard to ever play. Dwyane Wade once famously stated, `There was a stretch when Russell Westbrook was the greatest player on the planet hands down.` While that might be a slight exaggeration, it`s not a substantial one. Prime Westbrook, as the saying goes, was a formidable problem for opponents. — Brad Botkin